Probably because the first producer was the American company called Micro Switch. And as these products were very popular, the name micro switch became a generic trademark for all producers.

The company Micro Switch was acquired by Honeywell in 1950. And Honeywell registered the trademark Micro Switch. Other manufacturers used the name Snap-Action Switch or Basic Switch.

A standard limit switch used in industrial applications is an electromechanical device that consists of a mechanical actuator linked to a series of electrical contacts. When an object (sometimes called the target) comes in physical contact with the actuator, the actuator plunger’s movement results in the electrical contacts within the switch to either close (for a normally open circuit) or open (for a normally closed circuit) their electrical connection. Limit switches use the mechanical movement of the actuator plunger to control or change the electrical switch's state. Similar devices, such as inductive or capacitive proximity sensors, or photoelectric sensors, can accomplish the same result without requiring contact with the object. Hence, limit switches are contact sensors in contrast to these other types of proximity sensing devices. Most limit switches are mechanical in their operation and contain heavy-duty contacts capable of switching higher currents than those of alternative proximity sensors.

Components of a limit switch

Limit switches consist of an actuator with operating head, the switch body mechanism, and a series of electrical terminals that are used to connect the switch to the electrical circuit that it is controlling. The operating head is the part of the limit switch that comes in contact with the target. The actuator contains is connected to the operating head, whose linear, perpendicular, or rotary motion is then translated by the actuator to close or open the switch. The switch body contains the switch contact mechanism whose state is controlled by the actuator. The electrical terminals are connected to the switch contacts and enable wires to be joined to the switch through terminal screws.

Industrial machinery that undergoes automatic operations usually requires control switches that activate according to the movements involved in a machine’s performance. For repeat usage, the accuracy of the electrical switches needs to be reliable and their response rate should be prompt. Due to the mechanical specifications and performance parameters of different machines, factors such as size, operational force, mounting method, and stroke rate are important characteristics in the installation and maintenance of limit switches. In addition, a limit switch’s electrical rating should be matched to the mechanical system loads that it will be controlling in order to avoid instrument failure.

Many of our footswitches are suitable for industrial use, we have been supplying to this sector for many years.

Two Types of Timer Switches

Manual Setting Timer Switch: This type is more common in my country (Malaysia). You can find two types, either analog or digital. This type of timer switch gives you the option to set “on-off” periods as many times as you want within the 24-hour period. You can use this type of timer switch to control not only lights but also other gadgets like water heaters and air-conditioners. I have two such timer switches installed in my home. One controls the light at the covered car porch (open-air garage with a roof). The other controls the sitting area (lounge) of my home. If you look at the photo of my timer switch, it is set “on” at 18.5 (6:30 p.m.) and “off” at 24 (12 midnight).

Factory-Preset Timer Switch: The other version is set such that when you switch it on, you can choose the time period for the “off” command. This timer switch can offer up to as many as six choices for the “on” duration. You can choose from 1 minute, 5, 10, 20, 30 and 60 minutes for the gadget to automatically switch off. I would say this is useful for those who are forgetful, or families with children, who more often than not, forget to switch off each time they leave the room. But then again, they may even forget or too lazy to push the “duration” button after switching on! Worse still, they may even press the wrong duration” button, either ending in total darkness or wasting electricity! So far, I have not seen this second version in my country.